Chef Tom Aikens joins forces with Le Cordon Bleu to offer ‘life-changing’ scholarship

Aikens will mentor one student for a period of nine months during 2012. The apprenticeship is being offered as a practical element to a new initiative run by Le Cordon Bleu London. Speaking about the opportunity, Aikens said that he got involved because he feels very passionate about trainees learning the tools of the trade first hand. Worth £46 billion to the UK economy, employing circa 2.44 million people and predicted to grow, the possibilities are endless in the UK hospitality and catering industry. The Government has expressed support for scholarships like that offered by Le Cordon Bleu. David Willetts, minister for Universities and Science and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said: "The Government is committed to building an education and training system that equips learners with the skills that build successful careers and enable businesses to prosper and grow. I want more employers to follow Le Cordon Bleu London's lead in promoting opportunity and ambition, encouraging more bright young people to pursue vocational as well as academic excellence." How to enter For a chance to be considered for this Scholarship, applicants must post a short video clip on the Le Cordon Bleu UK Scholarship Award website www.cordonbleu.edu/ukscholarship (no longer than 1 minute and 30 seconds and a file size no larger than 250Mb) showing why they love food and cooking. They should demonstrate what interests them, what they know about Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, what their dream job is, and what inspires them in the kitchen. The winner will be chosen based on their passion and determination; previous culinary experience is not a necessity. The closing date is Monday 24th October 2011.